After a death, the financial and organizational burden of the funeral is added to the grief. The costs in Switzerland range from around CHF 2,000 to over CHF 10,000. We give you a transparent overview here.
Important to know: The costs vary greatly depending on where you live, the type of funeral and your individual wishes. While some municipalities such as Zurich or Basel offer basic services free of charge, relatives in other places have to pay the full costs.
The most important cost factors in detail
To give you a better understanding of the total costs, we break down the individual items for you. The average total cost is often between CHF 4,000 and CHF 8,000.
Services of the funeral home (approx. CHF 1,500 - 3,000)
The funeral home takes on central organizational and administrative tasks. These services are often a significant cost item. These include
- The transfer of the deceased from the place of death to the cemetery or crematorium.
- Hygienic care, dressing and coffining.
- Administrative formalities such as obtaining the death certificate and coordinating with the authorities.
- Organizing and accompanying the funeral service.
Coffin and urn (approx. CHF 300 - 8,000)
A coffin is also obligatory in Switzerland for a cremation. The price range is enormous:
- Coffins: a simple pine or plywood coffin for cremation is available from around CHF 300. A solid oak coffin for burial can cost between CHF 2,500 and CHF 8,000.
- Urns: Simple models cost between CHF 50 and CHF 150. Designer or artist urns can cost over CHF 1,000.
Cemetery fees and regional differences
The fees for the cemetery and burial are the biggest differentiating factor between municipalities. This is where the demand is most worthwhile.
Cities with free basic services for residents
In some cities, the basic costs are borne by the public purse:
- Zurich: The city covers the costs of the "ZüriSarg", the transfer, cremation or burial in a row grave and the ceremony in a cemetery chapel for its residents. However, there are administrative fees (approx. CHF 25-30 for the death certificate) and obligatory grave maintenance costs of CHF 132 per year, which add up to CHF 2,640 over 20 years. This regulation only applies to city residents and only covers basic services - individual wishes incur additional costs.
- Basel & St. Gallen: These cities also offer similar free basic services for their residents.
Cities with chargeable services
In other municipalities, relatives have to bear the costs themselves:
- Bern: fees apply here, e.g. approx. CHF 215 for an urn grave or CHF 1,077 for a row grave, plus administration fees of over CHF 1,200.
- Lucerne: The minimum costs for municipal services here start at around CHF 1,200.
Our most important advice: First of all, contact the burial office in your municipality of residence. Find out which costs will be covered before you hire a funeral director. This can significantly reduce your financial burden.
The funeral service and other optional costs (approx. 500 - 3,000+)
These costs are highly dependent on your personal wishes:
- Funeral speaker: a free speaker costs between 800 and 1,500 CHF.
- Flower arrangements: Expect to pay between CHF 250 and 800 for a coffin bouquet, wreaths or decorations.
- Obituaries & funeral cards: A newspaper advertisement costs CHF 200-800 depending on the size and medium. Find out more in our article Costs of obituaries.
- Funeral meal: The communal meal after the funeral service. Expect to pay CHF 20-40 per person.
Gravestone and grave maintenance (approx. CHF 2,000 - 10,000+)
This cost block is often only incurred later, but is considerable. A gravestone costs between CHF 2,000 and CHF 10,000, depending on the material and design. Compulsory grave maintenance over 20 years can also cost several thousand francs if it is carried out by a gardener.
Who pays the funeral costs?
Under Swiss law (ZGB Art. 603), the heirs are jointly and severally liable for the funeral costs. This is part of the obligations under family law.
Legal note: This obligation remains in force even if the inheritance is waived. The Federal Supreme Court has repeatedly ruled that the next of kin must bear the costs of a simple, dignified funeral, even if they do not accept the inheritance.
If the next of kin are demonstrably destitute, they can apply to the municipality for a free funeral.
How can costs be saved?
A dignified funeral does not have to be expensive. Here are the most effective ways to save costs:
- Take advantage of regional benefits: Check the free services offered by your local authority.
- Compare funeral directors: Obtain at least three detailed quotes.
- Choose the type of funeral: Cremation with burial in a communal grave or in nature is often the cheapest option.
- Choose simplicity: A simple coffin, dispensing with a large funeral service or designing the funeral cards on the computer reduce the costs considerably.
- Usea digital obituary: Inform friends and family quickly and inexpensively.
Make provisions and relieve the burden on relatives
A funeral plan protects against cost increases and ensures that your wishes are carried out. It relieves the burden on your loved ones at a difficult time. Providers such as the Stiftung Schweizerische Bestattungsvorsorge or local morticians offer corresponding contracts.
A pension plan can be ideally combined with the arrangement of your last will and testament. You can find out more in our guide Creating a will: Templates & legal principles.
Conclusion: contact the municipality and compare offers
The costs of a funeral in Switzerland are very individual. The most important first step is always to contact the funeral office in your municipality. Then obtain non-binding offers from funeral directors. This will give you a transparent basis for your decisions and enable you to arrange a dignified farewell that is also financially viable.